Work

Is Running Technique Important to Mitigate Hamstring Injuries in Football Players?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: (1) Background: Among the myriad of injuries affecting football players, hamstring strains have emerged as a persistent and debilitating concern, underscoring the need for novel approaches to reduce strain rates. The current study aims to analyze the impact of improved running technique on reducing hamstring injuries in football players. (2) Methods: Twenty-two male < 19 years old footballers were randomly assigned to an intervention and a control groups (n = 14 vs. 8), the former performing a running technique program of six weeks. Three-dimensional kinematics, using a markerless motion capture system, assessed linear and angular variables during touchdown and toe-off instants to evaluate pre- and post-intervention. Independent and repeated measure t-tests and effect size calculations were employed. (3) Results: A decrease in hip flexion and thorax external rotation during the touchdown (−2.39° and −2.02°, p ≤ 0.05) and a decrease in pelvic external rotation and an increase in stride length (−3.22° and 0.06 m, p ≤ 0.05) during toe-off for the players that engaged in the running technique development was observed. (4) Conclusions: These findings emphasize the significant impact of improved running technique and sprint mechanics, suggesting a potential decrease in the risk of hamstring injuries during high-speed running in football players.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app142411643

Authors: Marco P. Silva, Pedro Fonseca, Ricardo J. Fernandes, Filipe Conceição

Institution: Universidade do Porto

Language: English

Topic: Sports injuries and prevention

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,728